Make your own Cold and Flu Tea

With crazy weather her in NC, 20 degrees one day and 70 degrees two days later, no wounder people are getting sick. Fight viruses and bacteria, and ease the uncomfortable symptoms of a cold or flu the natural way.

Ingredients for tea blend:

You can find all ingredients online or at your local health food store.

¼ cup dried echinacea leaves

¼ cup dried peppermint leaves

¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves

3 Tbsp dried elder berries or ¼ cup dried elder flowers

Add all ingredients to a glass jar and shake gently to combine. Seal jar tightly. Label well and store your Cold and Flu Tea away from heat and light for up to a year. This blend will make approximately 24 cups of tea.

For one cup of tea:

1 cup of filtered water

2 tsp Cold and Flu Tea blend

raw, unfiltered honey to taste (optional)

Add tea blend to tea infuser or tea ball. Bring water to a boil, remove from heat. Pour water into mug and add tea. Steep for 5-10 minutes. Add honey (if using) and stir until dissolved. Drink up to 3 cups of tea per day as needed.

Herbs for cold and flu season

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) – Prevent or help the body fight colds and the flu. Echinacea is one of the most researched herbs for its effectiveness in shortening the duration and reducing the severity of cold and flu symptoms. This herb contains active substances that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis) – A powerful flu fighter. This herb has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating effects. It has been shown to greatly reduce healing time when taken at the first signs of flu symptoms. Elderberry works to prevent viral infection by blocking the virus from penetrating our cells. Many symptoms of the typical cold and flu virus can be treated with this berry. Elder flowers can also be used in herbal tea blends to help reduce fevers. (Never eat the leaves, stems, or raw berries of this plant, which contain toxic components.)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)- Works against a variety of viruses and bacteria, including the virus that causes the common cold. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it perfect for soothing headaches. It has a fresh lemony-mint flavor when added to tea.